GAO criticizes FAA over pop-up TFRs

The General Accounting Office (GAO) has taken the FAA to task for pop-up TFRs. In a new report, the GAO criticized the FAA for not developing a “standardized, documented way to review and revalidate security-related TFRs.” The report notes that the number of TFR violations is up since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as are the number and severity of disciplinary actions. However, the report notes, 95% of the violations involve either presidential security-related or national security-related TFRs, many of which were issued with limited advance notice.

The GAO also noted the economic hardships the TFRs cause, both for aviation-related businesses and aircraft trying to fly into, out of, or through an affected area. The GAO report cited a study that indicates GA pilots, passengers, and businesses have lost more than $1 billion since the Sept. 11 attacks due to increased costs, lost revenues and additional operating costs.